Remember to mark your child's name on all items of uniform to help make sure it finds its way back to you.

85th Greenock & District Scout Group

Our site is designed to give you all the information you need about what's going on in the Colony, Pack, Troop or Unit.

For more information on your specific Section, whether it's Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers, click on the link above.

If you want to see some old photos of the Group in action, you're sure to find some here as well.

Rather not see your Picture on the Site or anywhere else?Your privacy is important. We publish photos and articles from our Scouting events on this site, on our public Facebook page and in local press. We also occasionally share them with organisations that have supported us, for example on their Facebook page. We won't use your full name on any of these media and won't identify you in any pictures. If you prefer your picture not to appear, tell your leader or use the Contact Us form to let us know.

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Help The Adventure!

Hospice Fundraising

Our Scouts and Explorers did some volunteering last week in Support of Ardgowan Hospice. They helped other volunteers pack bags at Tesco in Port Glasgow to raise money for the Hospice. Some of the Scouts earned hours towards the community challenge badge, many others helped just because it's such a worthy cause. Thanks to the staff at Tesco Port Glasgow for being so welcoming to everyone and for hosting the event.August 2015

Dump the Xbox - Play Paintball

Our Scouts and Explorers had a ball last weekend when they spent a day paint-balling at Delta Force in Houston. We took part in 6 different scenarios during the day and there was nothing to separate the two teams by lunchtime with the scores neck and neck all morning. Congratulations to Eve from the brown team who was awarded with the Marshall's 'Top Gun' award for leading from the front throughout, and to Calum of the green team who earned the award for hsi team by managing to raise the flag over the enemy in the 'Castle' game. The day was eventually won by the brown team, although the 'best bruises' prize may need to be called a draw!

Registration Evenings

Hope you've all had a great summer. Start back dates for most sections are on the right. Note that we also have registration evenings for all members the week before. The dates for the registration evenings are listed below. All members must register on those evenings and pay capitation fees for the year. Fees this year are £55 for your first child and £30 for any subsequent children.

France 2014

We'd like to give a huge thankyou to all Scouts and Explorers who came to Summer Camp in Jambville in France this year. What a blast! This is the first time we have attempted a standing camp in a foreign location and everyone made it a huge success. We mixed traditional skills like pioneering and cooking in patrols with some of the activities Paris and the surrounding area had to offer including High Ropes, Reverse Bungee, Parc Asterix, as well as watching the World Cup final with some of the 1000 campers who we shared the site with. And the visit to see the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris was something to remember. Scouts and Explorers put everything into the week with some good standard camping for the amount of time we spent offsite. And the Explorers idea of tent pitching? Well, judge for yourself. As usual, photos can be found in our Gallery here. July 2014

Laser Matrix

The Scouts and Explorers spent their last regular night of the season pitting themselves against each other at Laser Matrix in Gourock. We still have a busy time ahead of us in the off-season, helping Ardgowan Hospice with a bag pack, and working with the Green Gym volunteers organised by Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council. Then we set off on this years Summer Camp in France in July, looking forward to a visit to Parc Asterix while we're there as well as a visit to Paris to join in the famous Bastille Day celebrations. June 2014﻿

Christmas Post 2013

We're running our Christmas post again this year for deliveries to Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. It's free and simple to use. Just post yoru addressed cards in the special post boxes in Spar in Wemyss Bay and Sainsburys in Inverkip. No stamps needed. Donations can be accepted in envelopes addressed to the 'Scouts' Deliveries will take place on 20th and 21st December. December 2013

Summer Camp Lochgoilhead 2013

What an active week for the Scouts! Summer Camp in August was a stay at the activity centre in Lochgoilhead. Everyone got to try out sailing, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, high ropes courses and a river run during the day. They also managed to fit in an overnight trip to Fort William and spend a few evenings fishing or playing croquet. They’re now looking forward to a big year in the new term with an exciting programme already writing itself. Photos and some video can be found in the Scout Gallery as usual. August 2013

Spean Bridge and Fort William

We've hard our fair share of not so sunny camps, but our Scottish Challenge Camp in Spean Bridge in June made up for everything as the sun shone down on us throughout for a great weekend of cycling and touring. The Scouts arrived late at Insh Scout Camp - midnight in fact - and pitched their patrol tents and hike tents in the dark. It meant a late night with some Scouts still settling down to sleep around 1.30am. Saturday was cycling day, travelling from Fort Augustus down the Great Glen Way to as far as Gairlochy some 22 miles away. Saturday was a late teatime again, but the Scouts still managed to find time to play in the burn later. Sunday was a bit easier with a trip out to Glenfinnan and a look at it's monument and it's viaduct before a quick visit to Fort William and home. Photos are available in the Scout section gallery or directly here. June 2013

Fordell Firs 2013

Well done to the 22 Scouts who braved the winter cold to camp at Fordell First in February to work towards their Scottish Challenge. As well as camping in a different Scottish region,the group managed to try their hand at Shinty as well as having a mini Burns Supper. They had one of the colder campfires they'll have - and according to a local veteran of the Jamborette, also one of the best around!! There's pictures of all the activities including Sling Shots, Pedal Karts, King Swing, Caving and Climbing here and you can check the King Swing below. February 2013

Jubilee Camp

The start of May saw the biggest camp our District has seen for years, and some say the best ever!!! Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from around the District came to Ardgowan Estate for a weekend of activities and adventure. They tried out new things like Rib Rides and Microlighting, and the classic survival techniques as well in the Bushcraft zone. There's way too much to describe here, so check out the Bumper Edition of Scout Notes here for all the details.Videos and photos are available in the Group Gallery. The Group would like to say a huge thanks to all our volunteer parents who helped out on the weekend. Everyone pulled together to make this a camp to be remembered for years to come. May 2012

Fun Burns Night

We are holding a Fun Burns night in March for Inverkip and Wemyss Bay villages. It's part of our Caledonian Challenge effort as is thanks in a big way to Jimmy Law who many may know from Burns Suppers they have been to in the past. Everyone is very welcome to come along for what will be a fantastic night of top-notch music and entertainment. Inverkip Church Hall 7pm for 7.30pm Saturday 31st March.

Tickets are only £5 which includes your supper. Contact Andy Yarr on 07977 023 335 or andy.yarr@virgin.net for tickets.March 2012

Patrol Camps

The Scouts have been busy over the last 2 months with every Patrol Leader now having run a weekend camp at Everton for their Patrol. Well done to everyone who has taken part, especially the PL's and the brave scouts who dared to bivvy at this time of year. March 2012

Christmas Post

_Christmas is coming and preparations are under way for this year's Scout Christmas Post. This year will be our biggest ever post with deliveries going to Wemyss Bay as well as Inverkip for the first time.

The service is free to all residents of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay, donations can be made by posting in an envelope addressed to the Scouts.

Post boxes are now in place in Inverkip Church Hall, Sainsburys in Inverkip and Spar in Wemyss Bay. Just go down to the place that sits you and post your Christmas cards in the box.

The boxes will be available until Wed 14th Dec in the shops, and Fri 16th Dec in the Church Hall. Deliveries will be made on Saturday / Sunday 17th and 18th Dec, and possible during the week after depending on volume. December 2011

Community Service at Ardgowan

_A huge well done to the Scouts from the both Troops who pushed on with their Community Challenges by helping staff at Ardgowan to clear an area of the estate at the end of November. The group spent most of the rainy Saturday clearing and burning fallen wood in a huge bonfire.

Both Iain the factor and Lady Lucinda have mailed us to thank everyone involved for all their hard work. They have made a big difference to an area of the estate in spite of the poor conditions. November 2011

Registration of all Explorers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers

This year we are changing the way we register for the year ahead and collect Capitation fees. All parents are asked to come along at the start of the normal beaver, cub, scout or explorer meeting to register their child and to pay capitation fees for the coming year. There will be a registration desk open at each section's meeting between 2nd and 4th November. You must register by the end of that week. If you are unable to make your normal meeting, please drop in on any of the others meetings instead. These are listed below. Capitation Fees are held at last year's price again - £50 for 1st child, and £30 for each additional child.

Summer Camp Hawkhirst

The Scouts visited Hawkhirst just South of the border at the end of July and spent a week practicing their camping skills for real, doing all their own cooking on open fires (yes, some can now help parents whip up a cheese sauce, or tatties and mince) and living as hygienically as they know how, although a bit of work is needed there for some.

Hawkhirst is a National Scout Activity Centre and sits on Kielder Water in the Northumbrian National Park. The Scouts were able to make the most of the water for kayaking, and the surrounding Mountain Bike trails as well. Later in the week all Scouts managed a mini-expedition walking or kayaking along the lakeside for a lightweight camp, before swapping round for the journey back.

During the camp we managed to get our first 2 Scouts progressing onto spraydecks for their kayaks, and one even managed a bow-rescue. Hopefully the first of many.

After a week of qualification leagues and then knock-out stages, we are delighted to congratulations to Liam who won the 85th Croquet Championship for 2011. And a special mention to Robbie, the beaten finalist who missed out by only 2 hoops.

The pictures are posted in our Gallery now as usual. Hope you enjoy. Aug 2011

Wemyss Bay Gala Day - Paracord Survival Bracelets

Were you at the Wemyss Bay Gala Day this year and want some instructions on how to make your own Paracord Survival Bracelet? You'll find them here, but before you go, why not take some time to browse around our site and see what we've been up to recently. You can use the 'Contact Us' page to get details of when we meet at Wemyss Bay Primary school. When you've seen enough just scroll down to the link section at the bottom of this page and you'll find the instructions there.

And good luck with your bracelet. It's a handy way for you to take 2 metres of emergency cord with you wherever you go. June 2011

Hardie Webster Medals

Well done to our 2 patrols who entered this year's Hardie Webster camping competition at Everton. Both patrols did well coping with both the sunshine and thunderstorm, and one patrol even managed to run out of staves for their camp gadgets! Pretty good going when they had well over 20 staves to build with. Some of the scouts came home with rabbit's paw keyrings, freshly made at the weekend. Ewan's team won the bronze medal for the competition, with the 70th outright winners followed by the 32nd. Congratulations to them, and fingers crossed for an 85th first place next year!! May 2011

Morrison's Bag Packing

The numbers are finally in and we can announce that the total raised at our Morrisons Bag Packing event in March was a £1126.13. That's a fantastic amount, especially given the snowy conditions that must have kept a good number of shoppers at home on the day. Especially pleasing was the excellent turn-out of Scouts and Explorers. The leaders' job was made easy by a well mannered and smart group of Scouts. They really were a credit to our Troop and their parents. Parents will be pleased to know that lots of shoppers paid compliments to them for their politeness, hard work and even their sense of humour during the day. Well done to all involved, and thanks again to Morrisons for hosting us for this fundraiser! March 2011

85th - Bigger and Better than Ever

Many of you know that last year we were among the top 5 fastest growing Scout Groups in the UK, and we're delighted to tell you that this year has been no different. With the census figures just in we can announce it's been another bumper year of growth for the 85th growing from 189 members in 2010 up to 216 in 2011 - breaking through 200 for the first time in our history! Scouting has never been more alive in Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. Thanks to all our dedicated leaders who put in so much effort every week and beyond, and to all parents and youth members who make it all worthwhile. Here's looking to another fantastic year in 2012. January 2011

Remembrance Parade 2010

The weather was great again for Armistice Parade this year and we would like to thanks all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Leaders and Parents for turning out so smartly to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. In all there were 162 members of the Scout Group on parade, and every one was credit to the Group. Thanks to all parents who made sure their children were so smart for the day, and who followed the parade to the cenotaph. November 2010

Carrie's Back

Carrie's back from her latest expedition in the Himalayas. Unable to sneak back quietly, the national press picked up the story after she was airlifted from base camp following a trip where she broke her wrist. The good news is that she's now had 2 operations to fix the bones and she just needs to rest her arm to recover now. The accident happened during the last day or 2 before the summit attempt itself. The only consolation was that the snow fell heavily on the mountain just after she fell meaning the summit attempt had to be canceled anyway. So as things stand it's Ama Dablam 1 - 0 Carrie. You can read one of the newspaper articles here. November 2010

Everest Challenge

The Everest Challenge continued this month with a walk near Luss. Scouts and Explorers from various Troops and Units will climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest on Scottish mountains this year. They spent this day climbing Beinn Dhub and have now accumulated a total height which is just short of the 4,406ft needed for their first 'Ben Nevis' milestone. The Group are looking forward to building on their total height when they go out again on their next walk in March.August 2015

Start Back Dates

Finish With A Splash!

We finished our year with a summer splash when we held our annual barbecue at Lunderston Bay last week. We held traditional races from egg and spoon, sack race, three legged races, and a grand tug-o-war to more recent games like bonkers and even a world cup play off. Thanks of course go to the caterers who laid on such a tasty burgers and hot dogs to finish the night off. June 2014

Queen Scout Award

Our Lloyd Keogh and another from the 10th were presented with their Queen's Scout Awards last week. Michael Sinclair Scout Leader from the 10th, and Lloyd received their awards from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Renfewshire. The Queen's Scout award is the ultimate goal a young person can aim for in Scouting. The awards were the culmination of years of work dating back as far as 2010. Lloyd's camps included the Sweden World Jamboree and his expedition was by boat around Oban and the Inner Hebrides. Both learned new skills as part of the challenge from playing the trombone to computer programming, and took up new physical activities as well. They both undertook community service commitments and carried out several other projects for the challenge.

Family, friends and fellow Scouts were on hand to share in the occasion and the pair would like to thank the DC and all the members of the District team who also came to support them. April 2014

Camping in Aberdeen

Templars Park in Aberdeen opened its doors to our Scouts and Explorers last weekend as the group work towards their Scottish Challenge badges. As well as pioneering, they tried out shinty, and had a go at Scottish baking, everyone contributing a tray of shortbread or millionaire's shortcake for dessert at the Burns Supper on the Saturday night. Another four Scouts notched up the final thing they need for the badge by camping in their 4th different Scottish region, and will be awarded with their Scottish Challenge at their next meeting.February 2014

Reaching for the Stars

Some of our Scouts kicked off their Astronomer’s Badge with a tour of Coats Observatory in Paisley. The telescopes there picked out hundreds of stars in what looked like a starless night to the naked eye. They were able to see a double star up close and even found Andromeda – the nearest galaxy to our own. Biggest gasps of the night came from the large telescope in the main tower which gave a breathtaking view of the moon. The scouts will be working to complete their badge over the next few months, with another Group aiming to join them by visiting the observatory this week. November 2013

Galloway Biking and Blo-Karting

A Group of Scouts spent a weekend in April enjoying some adventure in Galloway as part of their Scottish Challenge badge. The group who camped on the Solway Coast spent a day mountain biking around one of the area’s 7 Stanes mountain biking centres, before getting lucky with a windy day on Sunday when they tried their hand at land yachting. Thanks go to the Galloway Activity Centre for laying on the land yachting. Some of the Scouts are now very close to earning the Scottish Challenge badges. One has even now completed it meaning that Elliott holds the first Scottish Challenge badge the Troop has ever awarded. Photos are available in the Scout Section GalleryApril 2013

Winter Hillwalking in Glen Orchy

Scottish winters can give some of the best surprises when it comes to hillwalking, and our two parties who went up Beinn An Dothaidh in Bridge of Orchy in February had a wee treat waiting for them. From ground level the hills looked fairly disappointing with most of the recent snow already rained off the mountains. But that was only certain hillsides. When the parties reached the saddle between Beinn Dorain and their own hill, they could see the snow ready and waiting for them. With the weather behaving itself very well, one party made it all the way to the top, with the second not far off. They left themselves time to play in the snow on the way down as well as practise their Ice Axe braking. As they came down the sun and the clouds put on a bit of a show over Beinn Dorain opposite them that instant cameras can't really do justice. But we've posted the photos anyway in the usual gallery. We hope you enjoy them. February 2013

Emergency Aid

Some of the the Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Scout sections have attended First Aid courses in the last weeks with a total of 18 Scouts spending a day learning potentially life saving techniques. The Scouts learned about CPR as well as how to treat various types of injuries and ailments. At the end of the course they have earned the Emergency Aid Stage 4 badge. Well done to all Scouts involved!February 2013

Gang Show 2012

It's been well over a year in the planning, and has taken our cast and crew 3 months of weekly rehearsals and preparation to get it right, but this year's Gang Show in the Arts Guild was one of the best ever. The cast performed their sellout show to seven audiences during the week and brought praise from distinguished guests ranging from Gang Show producers from around the country to MP's and the Queen's representative. Our very own Euan was singled out by the Scottish Commissioner for Scouts for his solo performances as Simba and in the finale. Apologies to those who we missed in the Group photo here, hopefully we caught you in the other photos in the Gallery here. November 2012

RemembranceParade 2012

This year's Remembrance Parade falls on the 11th November. All Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers should mark their calendars to keep the day free. You will receive details from your leader, but we will meet at Inverkip Church Hall at 10am or shortly after depending on your section. We will parade to the Cenotaph at 12pm and finish in Daff Avenue around 1pm. Remember your poppy and collection money. All members should wear full smartest uniform. Get those lanyards in the washing machine! October 2012

Minibus Expedition Wales

A huge well done to all the Scouts who took part in this year's summer camp - a minibus expedition in Wales. The Scouts had a great travelling around from South Wales to North Wales. They began the week with a 2 day expedition into the Brecon Beacons best known as a training ground of the SAS. They camped near the summit of Pen-y-Fan the highest peak in the Beacons. Use the image to the right to see around the campsite. On their 'day off' in the South, they visited a local swimming pool before going down a coal mine for a tour underground. Driving further North they spent a day mountain biking in mid Wales before settling into a campsite in Snowdonia which they used as a centre for climbing Snowdon, visiting Caernarfon castle, visiting Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (which has the longest place name int he world) and finally a visit to Alton Towers before they came home. The scouts have all managed to complete some parts of several badges including Outdoor Challenge, Outdoor Plus Challenge, Adventure Challenge, Expedition Challenge, Nights Away, Hikes Away and Hillwalking badges. Photos and some video are available in the Group Gallery. July 2012

Raising Money for Charity

The scouts have done their bit to help the effort to raise money for Scottish Community Charities and CHAS Children's Hospices by packing bags at Morrisons in March. They managed to raise as much as £1331.06 during a hard day's work. We're proud to pass on the many compliments your sons and daughters received - one staff member telling us that we are the one of the best groups they work with. Well done to everyone for such a great effort!!!

Anyone who can help us with a donation can donate at our online fundraising site March 2012

Group Sweatshirts

_You've seen some leaders wearing them, now it's your chance to own the new Group Sweatshirt celebrating 85 years of the 85th.

We
were formed on 27th May 1927 by Arthur Muir of Inverkip House and 85
years later we're bigger than ever before!! The history buffs among you
can find out more of our history in the About Us section. But if you just want a sweatshirt, read on.

These
sweatshirts are great value at just £10 each. We're only placing one
order for them, so to make sure you don't miss your chance. Return your order form no later than 28th February. February 2012

Badgework records

_Want to keep your own record of your badge progress? Check out the record cards we've added to the 'Forms' page in your own section's area of this site, or by clicking the link below.

BeaversCubsScouts

Did you know you can also download the My Badges App for your iPod from this link, or by visiting the App store. November 2010

Remembrance Parade

What a fantastic turn out at Remembrance Parade this year!! All very smartly dressed thanks Parents. We had a total of 154 on parade. Thanks also to our dedicated leaders for their ongoing voluntary commitment week in week out, Scouting is indeed thriving in the villages of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. A special thanks must also be extended on behalf of the 85th to Duncan Luke who piped us to and from the Cenotaph in memory of our fallen hero's. Pictures in our Group Gallery. Nov 2011

Group Social and Fundraiser - Race Night

We're kicking off the new year with a social event for all parents which we also hope will help raise funds for the Group for the new term. The event will be a Race Night on Saturday 1st September at 7pm in Inverkip Church Hall. It's a BYOB night, so it's guaranteed to be good fun. Most people probably haven't been to a race night before, so our host will take us through what's needed. Just be ready to place £1 bets on the horses during the night. For those who can't make it on the night, you can still take part by buying (and naming) a horse or a jockey. Horses and jockeys cost £1 each. Please contact your leader in advance to buy one. August 2011

Group Camp - British Army put us through our Paces

They're the guys you want to have on your side if you ever come across them, and Captain Alex Greenroad and his team gave our Scouts a great time when they put them through their paces at Group Camp this year. The Scouts learned all sorts of new things from the soldiers including experiencing how to move forward in a hostile situation as well as learning survival techniques. They also found out about the need to be able to stand to attention ignoring the midgies all around you, as well as an unexpected use for a paper hankie (ask the scout in your family - we won't print it here). June 2011

This group camp was a mammoth task which saw us use every single piece of canvas we could lay hands on including 34 different Patrol tents and hike tents plus cook shelters. The youngsters clocked up well over 200 camp nights to count towards their nights away badges, and they also completed parts of their Outdoor Challenge and Adventure Challenge badges among others. Well done to everyone involved for diving in to every activity on offer. You can check out the photos in our Group Gallery here, and start looking forward top next year's Group Camp. As always, prints of the photo's can be ordered from the gallery at photobox. The photos are normally good enough quality to enlarge up to at least A3 size - the photobox site will advise you if you try to order a print at a size where the picture resolution isn't high enough to give a good print. The Scout Group does not receive any funds from any orders you may place. June 2011

Microlighting

A group of our Scouts had a great time in June when they went Microlighting at Strathaven Airfield near Glasgow. The staff at the airfield not only welcomed them to camp on their land, but they took the Scouts for a tour of the field and their hangar and showed them how their different planes are operated and how they can fly. The highlight of the weekend was a flight for each Scout in the cockpit of a microlight where they got to take control of the joystick to fly around the local area. All the Scouts managed to earn their Basic Aviation Skills badge over the weekend. Amongst it all they even fitted in a visit to Strathaven's annual Raft Race where they managed to commandeer a stray raft and failed to overtake the local St Patrick's school teachers women's team who were competing in the ladies race.

A big thanks to all the pilot instructors and staff at Microlight Scotland who took time out from giving their normal trial flights and lessons to give the Scouts such a fantastic experience. Any parents wanting to book a trial flight for themselves or as a birthday present for a friend, or even some flying lessons can find more information here.

You can find pictures of the weekend, as well as a few from Sunday's parade in the Scout Gallery . As usual you can order high quality prints (good for A3 printing) from the gallery. June 2011

Taekwon-Do

The Inverkip Troop had great fun and a hard working night in March as they tried out their skills at Taekwon-do for the first time. A team from the Stephen Rooney Taekwon-do schools came down to put them through their paces. The physical exercises in the session soon showed the Scouts the level of fitness they can reach in the sport as well as a good introduction to some of the defence techniques. We'd like to thank Cynthia, David and Jordan for coming down to lay on such a great evening. The Wemyss Bay section hope to organise a session of their own after the holidays. The Taekwon-do school meet weekly around Inverclyde including in Inverkip Primary on Wednesdays 6pm, and Wemyss Bay Community Centre on Thursdays at 4.45pm. Find them at hereMarch 2011

Our Highest Awards

A big congratulations to all our members who received their Chief Scout Silver, Gold and Platinum awards, and also Ewan's Gold Zodiac Award at the District Awards Ceremony last night. This is the highest number of these awards we have ever awarded in the same year and it's due to the hard work and commitment of all the recipients. Apologies to the 5 or ...more that we didn't manage to get in the photo. Very well done to all of you! March 2011

IT Badge

These pages can be edited by scouts who want to contribute to a website as part of their IT Badge. Get an admin account from your leader. Important! Read these guidelines before you start. Find out more about the IT badge here

Looking for Everton Scout Camp

Due to our location we get a lot of visitors who are actually looking for Everton Scout Camp which is near Inverkip. The campsite is run by Greenock & District Scouts. Visit their site here or use the Everton links on the right.